Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance sensor comprises a prism having parallel surfaces, a light source provided on one surface of the prism, a detecting means provided on the same surface where the light source is provided, a metal thin film provided on the other surface of the prism, and at least one of light absorbing members provided in the prism for blocking light emitted from the light source at any angle except a predetermined angle so that the metal thin film is illuminated by the light emitted from the light source at the predetermined angle, and such light is totally reflected at the metal thin film so as to reach the detecting means.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance sensor comprises a prism having parallel surfaces, a light source provided on one surface of the prism, a detecting means provided on the same surface where the light source is provided, a metal thin film provided on the other surface of the prism, and at least one of light absorbing members provided in the prism for blocking light emitted from the light source at any angle except a predetermined angle so that the metal thin film is illuminated by the light emitted from the light source at the predetermined angle, and such light is totally reflected at the metal thin film so as to reach the detecting means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro liquid control system which, adopting a method to flow a fine target object such as droplets together with a main liquid, allows high speed, large quantity processing for sorting the target object such as the droplets. The system comprises a microchannel, which includes a main channel to flow the main liquid in which the fine target object is dispersed and a sorting channel to sort the target object at the downstream side of the main channel, and a target object selecting means, which selects the target object flowing in the microchannel and supply it to the sorting channel. The target object selecting means comprises electrodes on which the voltage of the same polarity or the opposite polarity is applied to move and select the target object with the attractive or repulsive force.

Abstract: A light irradiating apparatus for a cell sorter for irradiating light to a specimen in a sample liquid includes a light source for emitting light at a plurality of wavelengths, a light extracting member for separately extracting a plurality of monochromatic light from the emitted light, said respective monochromatic light having respective peak wavelengths, a directing member for directing said monochromatic light extracted by the light extracting member, and an irradiating member for simultaneously irradiating said plurality of monochromatic light to a position where the sample liquid passes through.

Abstract: A method for working in a specimen includes the steps of (a) putting the specimen on a stage; (b) irradiating radiation to the specimen for excitation; (c) recording detected characteristics of the excited specimen by the radiation; (d) displaying the recorded characteristics on the stage; (e) storing the recorded characteristics of the excited specimen; (f) maintaining display of the stored characteristics on the stage; and (g) working on the specimen on the stage over the displayed characteristics. An operator may easily access to the specimen with a scalpel or a knife since the detected characteristics are displayed on the stage after the detection of the characteristics. Even if the detection requires harmful radiation such as ultraviolet light, the operator may work in the specimen after turning off such harmful radiation. Therefore, the operator does not have to wear any protection against the harmful radiation so as to work in the specimen more easily and efficiently.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump of this invention comprises a catheter (4) which introduces a pumping media, a wrapped membrane (5) which is mounted on one end of the catheter (4), a protection sleeve (1) which accommodates the membrane (5), a sealing cap (3) which is mounted on the catheter (4) and is movable along the catheter (4), and, an intermediate member (2) which is located between the membrane (5) and the sealing cap (3) and is movable along the catheter (4) together with the membrane (5) so as to prevent the membrane (5) from unwrapping. After the intermediate member (2) is moved to the membrane (5) so that the intermediate member (2) overlaps the membrane (5), the intermediate member (2) prevents the membrane (5) from unwrapping. Therefore, the sleeve (1) can be removed from the membrane (5) without unwrapping the membrane (5). After the membrane (5) is inserted in a femoral artery through a sheath (9), the membrane (5) ascends in the descending abdominal aorta toward the failing heart.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of automatically exchanging helium gas filling a balloon pump inserted in the aorta of a patient. The apparatus comprises a pressure generator producing positive pressure and negative pressure, an electronic control unit, an electrocardiograph, and a helium supply and discharge device. The positive and negative pressures produced by the pressure generator are alternately supplied to the balloon pump. The timer measures the time for which the pressure generator operates. The electronic control unit operates in response to the output signal from the timer and exchanges the helium gas with new helium gas whenever the the pressure generator operates the balloon pump for about 2 hours.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultra-aortic balloon pump apparatus which comprises a catheter, a balloon connected to the catheter, a negative pressure source for withdrawing a fluid from the catheter and applying a negative pressure to the balloon through the catheter, and a check valve which is disposed between the catheter and the negative pressure source. The check valve is adapted to allow the fluid flow therethrough from the catheter to the negative pressure source and prevent the fluid from flowing from the negative pressure source to the catheter. The check valve defines therein a pressure chamber communicated with the balloon through the catheter, and which is deformed when the negative pressure is applied to the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A device for operating an intra-aortic balloon pump having an arterial pressure sensor associated therewith for measuring arterial pressure includes a pressure sensor for measuring an internal pressure of the balloon pump and an arrangement for applying a positive pressure in order to provide fluid to the balloon pump for purposes of inflating the ballon pump. An adjustment device is also included for adjusting the zero point of the arterial pressure sensor. The adjustment device compares the arterial pressure measured by the arterial pressure sensor with the internal pressure of the balloon pump as determined by the pressure sensor and adjusts the zero point accordingly to eliminate differences between the arterial pressure and internal pressure.

Abstract: A retardation in the deflating motion of a balloon caused by a local collapse thereof is prevented. A tubular sleeve having a multiplicity of small apertures in the periphery therein is disposed for axial movement between the internal spaces of the balloon and a catheter. In use, the sleeve is inserted into the catheter to prevent a fluid channel from being blocked upon occurrence of a local collapse of the balloon. To facilitate positioning the sleeve, a projection is formed on an elongate stylet adjacent to its distal end to apply a braking action to the sleeve and secure it in place when the latter reaches a given position within the balloon.

Abstract: A cannula has an electrode therein for detecting electrocardiographic signals. The electrode is located in the inner wall of the cannula and has anti-thrombus characteristics. The electrode comprises a composition of an anti-thrombus polyurethane powder and a carbon powder. This composition has electrically conductive and anti-thrombus characteristics. The electrode is located in a recess of the inner wall of the cannula. The electrode is connected to the outside through a wire conductor.